The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1887-06-29
Action Taken by the Governor and
Council.
Question of Selling Liquor in Cases
to be Tested.

AUGUSTA, June 2S.--The State authorities
today took most decisive action to stop the
sale of imported liquors in unbroken pack
ages. This plan of selling liquors has been
practiced more or less for many years, and it
has been claimed that it was perfectly legal.
One of the most prominent cases was in this
city, the seller being Michael Burns. Last
spring he went to Europe, and there made
arrangements to receive regular importa-
tions in cases of twelve pint bottles.
He returned home, and for several weeks
past his shop has been filled with this liquor,
large amounts being sold openly. 1t was
proved perfect notification of the prohibit
ory law, and something must be done. 1t
was reported from other towns that sales Of
imported liquors were being made on the
same plan. If it should continue to increase
the result must be disastrous. So fragrant
was the violation that the State authorities
moved, and today Gov Bodwell, with the
advice and consent Of the Executive Council,
forwarded the following letter to the Attor-
ney General:
orgiLe p. Baker, Attoraey General Of the State
Dear Sir,-Information has come to me, which
l deem reliable, that disorderly persons are en-
gagged in an organized conspiracy to break the
laws OF the State which prohibit the sale OF in
toxicatlng liquors as a beverage. Under the
shield of a perverted and unjuStifable construe-
tion of the United States revenue regulations.
persons are seeking to make Of no effect the con-
stitutional provisions as well as the laws and
police regulations of this State. With view to
the faithful enforcement OF the law against the
trafic In Intoxicating liquors and to safely guard
the lmperilled pubic interests, ask you TO aid
in the Initiation and prosecution of such efforts
shall most effectively put stop to all attempts to
81 nf
the State. You will give such advice TO the ex-
ecutlye officers as you deem authorized and
legally correct and render such assistance in the
enforcement OF the laws and the authority of the
State as you regard practical and effective. Thus
you Will aid to crush an audacious and criminal
conspiracy against public order and public moral
ity. Let crime be punished and the guilty not
escape. As the Chief Magistrate of Maine, sworn
to see the laws enforced, can do no less.
Yours,
JOSEPH r. BoDwELL.
And also the the following to County At
torney Carleton, who was so efficient in his
prosecution of offenders against the liquor
law at the April term of the Superior Court:
L. T. Carleton, ConltH Attorney for Kennebec.
Dear Sir,-Iutormat0n has come tome that that
there is being made bold and audaci0us effort TO
practically annual our prohibitorv law against
the sale OF intoxicating liquors. Tie plan IS be-
ing adopted TO use the customs regulations OF the
United States as a shield to break the laws Of
Maine. perverted and wholly unwarranted
construction of an old decision Of the United
States Court is being used TO aunui our State con-
stituti0n and to destroy the wise and humane pol
icy OF Maine regarding the liquor traffic. have
asked Attorney General Baker to assist YOU in
defeating the nefarious scheme of the law-Jreak-
ers. have no doubt you VIII cooperate with
him to the extent of your official authority In the
enforcement of the prohibitory law in which you
have been so efficient and successful since you as
sumed the duties of attorney of Kennebec c0un-
". III possible let not the guilty escape. You
have my earnest sympathy and support In all
legal and vigorous efforts to crush out a wicked
conspiracy against the pnblic welfare Yours,
JOSEPH r. BoDwELL.
The county attorney. on receiving the let
ter. at once proceeded to business, and a
warrant being secured Sheriff MeFadden
and City Marshal Morse proceeded to Mich
ael Burns shop and seized his entire stock.
which was Sc cases of rum and 13 of whis-
key. The liquor was carted off and stored,
while Burns was brought before the
Municipal Court and his case CON
tinued until Saturday. To obtain
decision the question will probably be
carried up to the Supreme court, and the
State authorities are very certain that their
course is the correct one. At all events they
ii'sro n'sss-ss->Inost praiscwcrthy -effort-to TO
spoil trick OF rnc ruffsvsas1 -nuififs- 10
Maine law. Burns was very angry and used
hard language to the officers. He says he is
supported by eminent legal authority. He
proposes to test the matter in the United
States Courts. He now has $50 cases of
liquor in the Portland Custom House and
says he will sell it, few eases at a time.